Scholarships and Grants for UWW Students
UWW graduate Mike Robidoux (B.A., 2002) completed a concentration titled Athletic Administration. Of his UWW education, Mike says, "When I finally realized what I wanted to be when I grew up, UWW provided me with the direction and support that I needed. UWW provided the 'map' that I needed to find my way through the academic 'jungle.' The guidance and support from UWW staff, faculty, and fellow students continues to have a very positive impact on my UMass experience."
Beyond the scholarships and grants available to all UMass students through the financial aid process (see the UMass Financial Aid web site) and the UMass scholarship database, UWW students will find the following of particular interest:
David A. Cole Scholarships: These awards are for students enrolled in UMass Amherst Continuing & Professional Education (UWW students are eligible to apply) who are making career changes and have financial need. For more information, write info@contined.umass.edu.
UWW Jeff Taylor Educational Opportunity Endowment: In June of 2007, at UWW’s 35th Anniversary celebration, Jeff Taylor, UWW graduate (’01) and founder of Monster.com and current CEO of eons.com, inaugurated the UWW Jeff Taylor Educational Opportunity Endowment with a substantial gift. Hundreds of other alumni, UWW staff, and friends have contributed to the endowment since then. UWW will award as many scholarships as are available through the endowment each year. The scholarship is intended to support the UWW prior learning process and may be used to help cover the costs of tuition for the UWW 370 Writing About Experience course and the Prior Learning Assessment fee. The first $1,000 scholarship was awarded in the spring of 2008, to be used in the fall 2008 semester. Eligibility: UWW students who are in their first semester in the University Without Walls and are enrolled in two UWW courses, will take UWW 370 Writing About Experience the following semester, have demonstrated financial need, and were awarded financial aid for the current semester and either have been awarded financial aid for the next semester or have applied for financial aid for the next academic year. Application: $1,000 scholarships (as many as the endowment allows) will be awarded twice a year: 1) in spring to students taking UWW 370 Writing About Experience in the fall semester; and 2) in fall to students taking UWW 370 Writing About Experience in the spring semester. The availability of the scholarships will be announced to first semester students in March and October in the UWW Frameworks course. Deadlines: April 30th for fall awards and November 30th for spring awards. Applicants will submit: 1) a scholarship application form (which will be distributed in the UWW Frameworks course); 2) a copy of their UWW Degree Plan; 3) a copy of their Student Financial Aid Report. Instructors of UWW courses in which applicants are enrolled will be asked to provide recommendations for applicants.
Massachusetts grants for school paraprofessionals: Participants in the UWW Teacher Licensure program with two or more years of experience as paraprofessionals may be eligible for Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program funding through the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). For more information about this program please call OSFA at 617.727.9420 or see the OSFA web site.
Massachusetts grants for early childhood educators: Participants in the UWW Early Care and Education program with one or more years of experience as early childhood educators may be eligible for Department of Early Education and Care Scholarship through the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). For more information about this program call OSFA 617.727.9420 or see the OSFA web site.
Dr. Benjamin Ricci Scholarship Award: 10/17/08 NOTICE: PENDING RE-FUNDING THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD - Please watch for further details. Dr. Benjamin Ricci (1923-2006) was a pioneer in transforming the service system for persons with mental retardation in Massachusetts. He was visionary who understood the need for changes in the service system, had the courage, wisdom and resolve to challenge state government to meet its obligation to its most vulnerable citizens. As the principal plaintiff in the historic Ricci vs. Greenblatt class action suit, he made many sacrifices for almost 40 years to ensure these commitments were met. The Ricci Scholarship is given every year to a University of Massachusetts student who exemplifies Dr. Ricci’s long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with mental retardation. Award winners will demonstrate a commitment to advocacy for the rights, dignity and social integration of individuals with mental retardation in their community. Eligibility: Students who have completed a least 60 undergraduate credits and who are enrolled in either the Developmental Disabilities/Human Services specialization within the Department of Psychology, or the Developmental Disabilities Bachelor’s degree concentration at the UMass University Without Walls. Both programs are part of the UMass/DMR Collaboration. A committee led by Dr. Zimmer and composed of representatives from the Department of Mental Retardation, Department of Psychology and University Without Walls will review all applications, and makes a recommendation to the Commissioner of award recipient(s). Award: Recipients receive cash awards of $1,000 and a certificate acknowledging their selection. Deadline: To be determined. Application: Applicants must submit a resume, transcript, and essay of not more than 1,000 words explaining their qualifications for the award. In addition, at least 1 letter of recommendation from a person who has personal knowledge of their work, volunteer experience or internship experience in the area of developmental disabilities. Submit application to: Dr. Zimmer, DMR Franklin/Hampshire Area Office, One Roundhouse Plaza, Suite #204, Northampton, MA 01060.
Undergraduate Research Award: Although scholarship in the humanities and social sciences is grounded in the skillful use of primary sources, few undergraduates ever have the opportunity to engage with original historical materials. To encourage scholarly and creative research and promote the use of our collections, the Friends of the Library and Department of Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) have established an award for undergraduates at UMass Amherst recognizing excellence in the use of primary sources. Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at UMass Amherst [this include University Without Walls students]. Projects must represent work completed for a class or independent study in any field within the 18 months prior to the application deadline. Awards: First place: $750; Two honorable mentions: $250 each. Deadline: February 13, 2009. Students are invited to submit papers or projects they have completed at UMass Amherst during the 18 months prior to the deadline for submission. Submissions will be considered by the Evaluation Committee and winners will be announced in mid-March. Our first place winner and a guest will be asked to attend the Friends of the Library annual Dinner with Friends in early April. All winning papers/projects will be displayed on the SCUA web site and added to the University Archives. Click for application and details.
Miriam Williford Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is available in the fall and spring semesters for students pursuing degrees through Continuing & Professional Education at UMass Amherst (UWW students are eligible to apply) who can demonstrate a lifelong commitment to learning. For more information about applying for these scholarships, email a request for an application form to info@contined.umass.edu.
